Learn Hip Hop Dance Moves
Learn basic hip hop dance moves step-by-step, practice rhythm and counting, warm up safely, and create a short routine to perform confidently.
Step-by-step guide to learn hip hop dance moves
Step 1
Put on comfortable clothes that let you move freely.
Step 2
Put on soft shoes or socks to protect your feet.
Step 3
Clear a small space so you have room to dance without bumping anything.
Step 4
March in place for 30 seconds to warm up your body.
Step 5
Do shoulder rolls 8 times forward and 8 times backward to loosen your shoulders.
Step 6
Do hip circles 8 times in each direction to loosen your hips.
Step 7
Clap and count "1-2-3-4" for 16 counts to feel the beat and steady your rhythm.
Step 8
Practice step-touch for 8 counts while saying the numbers out loud to match the rhythm.
Step 9
Practice a chest pop 8 times on the strong beat while counting to 8.
Step 10
Practice an arm wave 4 times slowly and smoothly from hand to shoulder.
Step 11
Choose a sequence of three moves (for example step-touch then chest pop then arm wave) to make your routine.
Step 12
Practice your chosen sequence slowly once while counting to keep in time.
Step 13
Repeat the sequence three times with music to build confidence and performance energy.
Step 14
Share your finished routine on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have soft shoes or socks to protect feet while dancing?
If you don't have soft shoes or socks, dance barefoot on a non-slip carpet, wear clean indoor trainers, or use grippy socks so you can safely do the warm-up march, step-touch, and chest pops.
I'm losing the beat during the 'clap and count "1-2-3-4" for 16 counts' or when I try the step-touch—what helps me stay in rhythm?
Play a slow 4-count song or use a metronome app and clap along for the full 16 counts, then practice the step-touch and chest pop slowly while saying the numbers out loud to lock the rhythm.
How can I adapt this routine for a 4-year-old or a 12-year-old?
For a 4-year-old, simplify to a march and step-touch with shorter counts and fewer repeats, and for a 12-year-old, use the full three-move sequence with arm waves, faster counts, and extra repetitions before recording.
How can we enhance or personalize the routine before sharing it on DIY.org?
Add a signature move or costume piece, practice smooth transitions between the step-touch, chest pop, and arm wave, and record a few takes with music so you can pick the best clip for DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to learn hip hop dance moves
The Best Hip Hop Moves for Kids in 2018! | How 2 Dance
3 Videos
The Best Hip Hop Moves for Kids in 2018! | How 2 Dance
Learn Easy & Fun Kids Hip Hop Routine
3 Simple Dance Moves for Beginners (Hip Hop Dance Moves Tutorial) | Mihran Kirakosian
Facts about hip hop dance for kids
🏆 Big international competitions like Battle of the Year and World of Dance bring crews from dozens of countries to compete.
🔁 Breakdancing (b-boying/b-girling) mixes top-rocks, footwork, freezes, and power moves—some spins can take years to learn safely.
🎧 Dancers often count music in eights (1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8) so steps fit neatly into short phrases and stay on rhythm.
🕺 Hip hop dance grew in 1970s New York City as part of a whole hip hop culture made by DJs, MCs, graffiti artists, and dancers.
💥 Popping and locking began as 1970s funk styles and are now staple showstoppers in many hip hop routines.
How do I teach my child basic hip hop dance moves step-by-step?
What materials and space do I need to learn hip hop dance at home?
What ages is learning basic hip hop dance suitable for?
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